feeble
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Middle English feble, from Anglo-Norman feble (“weak, feeble”), from Latin flebilis (“tearful, mournful, lamentable”), from flere (“to weep”), akin to fluere (“to flow”); see fluent.
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Adjective
feeble (comparative feebler, superlative feeblest)
- Deficient in physical strength; weak; infirm; debilitated.
- Though she appeared old and feeble, she could still throw a ball.
- 2011 October 23, Tom Fordyce, “2011 Rugby World Cup final: New Zealand 8-7 France”, BBC Sport:
- France were transformed from the feeble, divided unit that had squeaked past Wales in the semi-final, their half-backs finding the corners with beautifully judged kicks from hand, the forwards making yards with every drive and a reorganised Kiwi line-out beginning to malfunction.
- Lacking force, vigor, or efficiency in action or expression; faint.
- That was a feeble excuse for an example.
[edit] Synonyms
- (physically weak): weak, infirm, debilitated
- (wanting force vigor or efficiency): faint
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Translations
deficient in physical strength
wanting force, vigor or efficiency in action or expression
[edit] Verb
feeble (third-person singular simple present feebles, present participle feebling, simple past and past participle feebled)
[edit] References
- feeble in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- feeble in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
